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First Baptist Church of Chalmette receives $15,000 for its transportation ministries

First Baptist Church of Chalmette receives $15,000

The First Chalmette Community Development Corporation and First Baptist Church of Chalmette recently received a donation of $15,000 from a local St. Bernard Parish civic organization to use for its transportation ministries. The money was used to purchase two vans and also to upgrade the van the church already owned.
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First Chalmette Community Development Corp. and First Baptist Church of Chalmette received a donation of $15,000 from a local St. Bernard Parish civic organization to use in its transportation ministries.

"We were elated when we heard that the group wanted to assist us with what we are doing to help people in St. Bernard Parish," said the Rev. John Dee Jeffries, pastor of First Baptist Church of Chalmette. "It's awesome to know that other people believe in what we are doing and want to be a part of it."

The civic group that made the donation asked to remain anonymous, Jeffries said.

The $15,000 was used to purchase two additional vans and upgrade the one the church already owned. "This ( the $15,000 donation) means we will be able to do so much more in our ministry," Jeffries said.

First Baptist Church of Chalmette formed First Chalmette Community Development Corp. two years ago as a way of providing transitional ministries to St. Bernard Parish, Jeffries said.

"We divided our ministries into two departments," Jeffries said. "The first department included traditional ministries such as youth groups, Bible studies and worship services."

The second department included transitional ministries such as a food pantry that distributes 20,000 pounds of food monthly, food for seniors, God's Clothing Closet and a Crisis Pregnancy Center. Transitional ministries has also included asking St. Bernard Parish residents to donate school uniforms for use by families in need.

The vans that were purchased with the recent donation will be used to assist in various ways with the transitional ministries as well as traditional ministries, Jeffries said.

And when the new school year begins First Baptist Church will provide before and after school care for children who attend Trist Middle School, Lacoste Elementary School, Joe Davies Elementary School and Chalmette Elementary School.

Before care will begin at 7 a.m. at First Baptist Church which is located at 305 East St. Bernard Highway, Chalmette and after care hours will be from 3:30 until 6 p.m., also at First Baptist Church. Transportation will be provided from First Baptist Church to school as well as from school to the church for after care.

"Times are tough for many families in St. Bernard Parish," Jeffries said. "And parents don't need the added burden of having to worry about their children while they are at work. And through this before and after care program parents can know their children are in a safe environment and a secure facility."

First Baptist Church and the First Chalmette Community Development Corp. are constantly looking for ways to reach out to the residents of St. Bernard Parish, Jeffries said.

"St. Bernard is still in transition following Katrina, and it's important that we do what we can to reach out to people," Jeffries said. "We (First Baptist Church of Chalmette) are constantly looking for ideas. There are so many areas we haven't even touched."

For information about any of these ministries as well as the before and after care call the church office at 504.277.2939.

Earl Hodges writes about people and events at houses of worship in St. Bernard Parish. He can be contacted at earlhodges@msn.com.